Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple

History & Historical Heritage

The Solaimalai Murugan Temple at Pazhamudircholai, located about 25 kilometers north of Madurai, is the sixth and final abode of Lord Murugan. Unlike the other abodes which are situated on dry hills or seashores, Pazhamudircholai is nestled in a lush, green forest on the Solaimalai hills, close to the historic Vishnu temple of Alagar Kovil. This temple is famous for the divine episode between Lord Murugan and the ancient Tamil poetess Avvaiyar. Murugan appeared as a small boy sitting on a jambolan (Siddhar/naval) tree and asked Avvaiyar if she wanted 'cooked fruits' or 'uncooked fruits'. When Avvaiyar laughed and chose cooked fruits, Murugan shook the tree, and the dust-coated fruits fell down. When Avvaiyar blew on the fruits to clean the sand off, Murugan remarked that the fruits were indeed hot (cooked) since she had to blow on them. This playful banter humbled the poetess, who realized the boy was Murugan in disguise. Pazhamudircholai is the only abode where Murugan is depicted alongside both of his consorts, Valli and Deivayanai. The temple complex is surrounded by natural springs, most notably the Nupura Ganga, whose waters are considered sacred and medicinal.

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